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September 28, 2008

Herald: Beckett Has Oblique Injury; Francona Confirms Report

The Red Sox could be facing a Tom Brady-like blow to their postseason plans.

Just as the Patriots are trying to make it work this season without the injured Brady as their quarterback, the Red Sox could be going into the playoffs without Josh Beckett as the ace of their pitching staff.

According to a source, Beckett sustained an oblique injury during a bullpen session following his last start.

Asked last night if Beckett is suffering from an oblique injury, a separate Red Sox source said a medical update on Beckett will be announced today, before the team boards its charter flight to California for Wednesday's Game 1 of the American League Division Series against the Los Angeles Angels.

After Sunday night's game, Terry Francona said Jon Lester and Daisuke Matsuzaka would pitch the first two games in Anaheim -- with Beckett penciled in for Game 3 at Fenway (Sunday, October 5).

Stammering. "Yeah. I don't think we would slot him in... certainly, if it goes the long way, we're going to use hopefully, pretty good judgement. We're slotting him in there because we hope he can pitch there. There was no discussion for Friday. ...I think he's gonna be okay."

"I don't think it's frustrating. Things happen and you deal with them and if you deal with them well enough, you handle it. If you don't, you go home. Things happen and you have to find a way to win. I think Lester, Dice-K, will do just fine."

Not just one night, actually. This happened Friday, and today's Sunday.

They are a bruised bunch, that's for sure.

Meanwhile, listening to some fun Schadenfreude. Suzyn Waldman thinks the Yankees will sign Sabathia AND Burnett next year. Sterling thinks the Yankees would have made the playoffs if they dealt for Santana this year. He's got a bit of a point. Hughes and Kennedy stunk things up down there this year.

Last year's final Yankees broadcast was much more Schadenfreude-filled than this one. They can't believe the season's over, but they've accepted it. Last year it could have gone either way, and so they hadn't accepted it yet.

I've typed so much on this game thread today... I can't even get my posts right anymore, haha. About time I call it a night. Don't know about any of you, but I'll be watching the White Sox/Tigers game tomorrow.

totally agree.i just hope this isnt a lot of smoke and mirrors and getting all of our hopes up and then they end up scratching him. it reminds me of the early part of Sept. where they scratched him, what, 3 times after they said he was good to go all three times?